It's especially vexing that the secretary chose to invoke science in her critique. In fact, a significant body of scientific evidence is emerging that demonstrates that fracking is inherently dangerous to the environment and human health.

While we've heard pro-fracking propaganda before from the Obama administration, many Americans have had enough of it and I'm one of them. In 2008, I voted for 'Hope and Change,' but we are not getting the change we hoped for.

We all need pure water, clean air, and the healthy environment necessary to support and sustain healthy lives, yet political leaders fail to give environmental rights the same protections they give other fundamental rights like freedom of speech.

As fossil fuel exploration and extraction become riskier, their associated external costs will increase exponentially, whereas clean energy alternatives will stabilize energy costs for taxpayers and corporations. This is the arithmetic that could forever change America's perception of renewables.

If rumor becomes plan, then the residents of the Southern Tier become unwilling lab rats in our governor's fracking experiment. It's an experiment that risks ruin for many in the form of poisoned water, toxic air, burning flare stacks, mystery chemicals, and 24/7 noise.